Maybe, though you'd, or at least I'd, be hard-pressed to document the easier detirioration of a pair of mexico made 501s vs some other country.

Bare in mind, however, that you're comment above is what business people in some countries say in order to justify paying 200% more money for the same product ("No, it's not branding, it's quality of construction. That's why you're paying $120 for Levis 501s instead of $40).